uxmelina

I’m sure this isn’t anything new, as the plush toy-web 2.0 hybrid was first sold in 2005, but Webkinz have caught my eye. Tonight, I volunteered with a local Girl Guide group to help the girls earn their computer badge. The uber excited 9 and 10 year old school kids ended up teaching me more then I may have tough them. The Webkin-addicted crowd wasn’t far from the facebook obsession seen in university students. As the girls bragged about the number of pets, “kinzcash”, or virtual possessions, they also complained about their school banning the web site, and parents limiting the number of pets and the number of hours they can spend in this virtual world.

So, what is it?

If you are like me, and had never heard about them. Webkinz are small stuff animals that can be purchased at a toy store. After bringing your traditional toy home, you can use the secret pass code, to adopt the same pet into the a virtual world. Name and gender is the child’s choice. Now, they are ready to go with their slightly personalized friend. Armed with “Kinzcash” (the virtual currency) the kids can buy accessories to furnish their pets homes or food for their not so furry friend. Now, this is where it gets interesting. The initial funds are limited, so the child has to get a job, maintain a garden, or do a variety of other tasks to earn money to support this virtual pet! Most of the tasks seem to have some learning aspect as the child moves through the levels.

Oh wait? Playing alone isn’t any fun, no worries. In Webkinz your pet can actually get into the fun by adopting their own pet, yes a pet for your pet! Or invite your friends to chat with you by using the preset sentences to ensure children aren’t giving out personal information!

Interacting in a virtual world isn’t anything new. Very similar to the adult virtual world, Second Life, Webkinz is nothing more then another example of technology evolving into a child-targeted version. We have seen it in the Firefly cell phone, Fisher Price’s Smart Cycle, and now Web 2.0.

So what’s next?

This is why I’m interested in these kids. My next academic term (Jan-April 2008) I will be working on a design project. The details are unknown but the scope is pretty flexible. Our team is currently only made up of myself and 2 other students all with strong backgrounds in user centered design as well as human factors. We are in the early stages of the design process trying to define the scope of the project by looking a new and cutting edge applications to interaction design. Along with collaborative workspace and learning environments, targeting children has also been discussed. Their limited cognitive abilities could offer a fun challenge into the project. I will keep you posted about what we end up deciding!